Head of local policing, Superintendent Emily Vernon said: “Matt was a much-loved PCSO described by many of his colleagues as a genuine, kind man, with a fantastic ability to make people laugh.

“His loss has been felt strongly by the whole police family, many of whom enjoyed serving alongside him.

“The police family is a very strong one.

“When a member of the police family dies, we all feel it.

“His death is also a loss to the wider-community because of his commitment to his role as a PCSO and the diligence with which he carried out his duties.

“I hope Matt’s family will take comfort not only in the outpouring of support for the JustGiving page but also in how highly regarded Matt truly was by Northamptonshire Police.”

Matt’s funeral will take place at 2pm on Wednesday (July 11) at Nene Valley Crematorium, Wellingborough, where a Guard of Honour formed by Matt’s fellow officers will greet his family as they arrive for the funeral service.

Supt Vernon will take the salute and the force will be represented by Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Swann and the county’s police and crime commissioner Stephen Mold.